Steam plant



J. K. RUTHS STEAM PLANT April 20 1926.

, 1918 2 Sheets-Sheet Filed May 21 Patented A r.20,192s. 1,581,229

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

. JOHANNES KARL BU'IHS, F DJ'URSI-IOLM, SWEDEN, ASSIGNOR TO AK'IIEBOLAGET VAPOEACKUMULATOR. 0F STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN.

STEAM PLANT.

-' Application filed May 21, 1918. Serial No. 235,894.-

(GRANTED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE ACT OF MARCH 3, 1921, 41 STAT. L, 1818.)

To (ZZZ wh it m @mwe the desired temperature of the superheated Be it known t at I, JoHANNns KARL steam is obtained.

RUTIIS, a subject of the King of Sweden, My invention further comprises automatic 6!! residing in Djursholm, Sweden, have inmeans for controlling the temperatureof I vented certain new and useful Improvethe mixture of superheated and saturated ments in Steam Plants, for which I have steam. made application for patent in Sweden on In the accompanying drawings, in which May 5, 1917, Patent 58248; in Norway on some forms of my invention are diagram- 00 January 1, 1919; in Finland on September maticaly illustrated, Fig. 1 shows a lant 7, 1918; in Germany on June 1, 1917; in having aihand-operatcd valve disposed in 7 Poland on April 1, 1920; in Czechoslovakia the bypass conduit to the supcrheat storer.

on December 31, 1919; in Spain on July 2, Fig. 2 shows a similar plant having the 1919; in Holland on April 22, 1918; and in valve disposed in the by-pass conduit oper- Japan on August 4, 1919; and I do hereby ated automatically in response to temper- 5 declare the followin to be a full, clear, and aturc. Fig. 3 shows, on an enlarged scale, exact description 0 the invention, such as means for automaticaly operating the temwill enable others skilled in the art to which perature responsive valve of Fig. 2. Fig. it appertains to make and use the same. 4 shows a plant having the valve disposed in My invention relates to steam plants the by-pass conduit controlled by the pres- 20 equipped with steam accumulators and with sure in the pipings or in the accumulator. heat storing means for the heat of super Fig. 5 shows a plant similar to that of Fig. heat such as disclosed in my prior Patent 2 but having a pressure-reducing valve in- No. 1,294,714. In the arrangement shown sorted in the discharge conduit for the superin the said prior patent, the temperature heat storer so as to obtain a constant presof steam passing from the accumulator dursure in said conduit. Fig. 6 shows in secing a discharge and through the heat stortion details of a pressure operated valve. ing means for the heat of superheat, which Fig. 7 shows a plant similar to that of Fig. may be termed a superheat storer, gradually 1 but having a pressure-reducing valve in 30 falls due to the reduction in temperature of serted'in the discharge conduit. the heat absorbin and heat rejecting ma- Referring more particular to Fig. 1, a tcrial in the super eat storer. source of superheated steam A, which may In many cases, this variation of tcmpen comprise any type of steam generator, supature is immaterial aside from the fact that plies steam to a conduit L controlled by 35 the temperature of the superheated steam valve V,. A supcrheat storer U which conat the beginning of the dischar c of the sists of a receptacle containing heat storing steam accumulator is often too high, while material is connected to receive steam from at the end of the discharge, the temperature conduit L and to deliver steam to accumuof the superheated steam may be too low. lator B through conduit L A steam con- The object of my present invention is to sumer 0, shown as a turbine, receives steam avoid either partly or entirely such variafrom conduit L which has communication tions in the temperature of the superheated with conduit L through valve V,. A bysteam, and below several embodiments of my pass connection L, connects conduit L with invention are described. conduit L, and is controlled by a valve V My invention comprises the arrangement shown in this embodiment as a hand operof a bypass to the superhcat storer, through ated valve. which a portion of the steam taken from the Assume that valves V and V, are closed. accumulator can flow as saturated or wet Steam then passes from generator A, steam front the accumulator without passthrough conduit L,, superheat storer U, coning through the superheat storer. This duit L and into accumulator 13. Now assteam is mixed with the superheated steam sume that turbine G is to be supplied with coming from the superheai storcr, and by steam. Valve V, is opened and valve V, this mixture of the two qualities of steam is closed. Steam then passes from accumulater B through super-heat storer U and into conduit L and to the turbine.

To regulate the temperature of the steam passing to the turbine, valve V is opened and adjusted in accordance with the tem perature of steam supplied through valve V To illustrate the operation assume that the accumulator is fully charged. It will be readily understood that the temperature of the heat storing material in the heat storing device U is higher with a higher pressure in the accunmlator since charging of the accumulator increases its pressure and raises the temperature of the heat storing material. \Vhen, therefore, steam passes from the accumulator in charged condition, the temperature of steam leaving the storer U is of relatively high value. Valve V is then adjusted so that it has a relatively large openingand a relatively large quantity of steam flows through connection I and mixes with the superheated steam thus reducing the temperature of the latter.

As the accumulator discharges, heat is gifilually absorbed by the steam from the superheat storer and the temperature of the heat storing material gradually falls, so that the temperature of the superheated steam falls and a progressively decreasing opening of valve V3 is necessary for the maintenance of a given temperature of steam supplied to turbine C.

To automatically perature in conduit L lator may be arranged to control valve V in response to temperature in conduit L Such an arrangement is shown in Fig. 3. in which Z; designates a small pipe inserted in conduit- L and having communication with a small receptacle a. bellows c has comm'unication with pipe b. Pipe 1), receptacle a and bellows c are hollow and contain an expansible liquid such as mercury. Bclmaintain a given tema thermostatic regulows c is connected to one end of a lever c at a point intermeivotcd on a bracket f diate its ends. The other end of lever c is connected to the valve stem of valve V On increase of temperature .in conduit L mercury in a. b and c expands and rocks lever e in clockwise direction whereby valve V is opened farther and a greater quantity of the cooling agent. the saturated steam. passes through connection L and into conduit L returning the temperature to normal.

The arrangement shown in Fig. 1 is best adaptable to use when steam is wanted periodically as, for example, when the turbine is a reserve unit. the accumulator being wholly charged at one time and wholly discharged at another. here steam is consumed continuously as where turbine C is in continuous operation for a substantial period and charging and discharging of the accumulator take place continuously, I prefer an arrangement such as shown in Fig. 2

superhcat storer U in which valve V is omitted anda nonrctnrn valve 11 is insertetl in the by pass L The steamfienters asbefore through the conduit 1. "lf'this steam can momentarily not he used. it will pass through the superheat storer ll and enter the accumulator shown in Fig. 1, the non'return valve R preventing any portion of this Steam from dircctly entering the accumulator. because, in that L'ttrt}, the heat of superheat of the steam flowing past the superhcat storer direct to. the accumulator would be lost.

ll'hcn the. consumption of discharge steam is greater than the quantity of charge steam, the dilicrence will be supplied by the accumulator B, the steam [lowing through the and the by-pass pipe L... The distrilmtion of the two qualities of steam ellected by the valve V which is controlled by the thermostat T.

Fig. 4- shows an arrangement similar to that of Fig. 2 but modified in that valve V instead of being controlled by a thermostat. is controlled by a pressure regulator responsive to the pressure in the accumulator. As previously pointed out there is a more or less definite relation between the pressure in the accumulator, the heat stored in the superheat storer, the temperature of steam leaving the superheat storer and consequently the amount of steam necessary to be bypassed to give a constant temperature to the final steam for use. A large opening of valve 5.. is necessary when the pressure in the accumulator is high and a small opening when the pressure is low. A control in accordance with accumulator pressure as illustrated in Fig. 4 is thus possible. Rise of pressure in the accumulator increases the valve opening.

Fig. 5 shows modification of the arrangement shown in Fig. l wherein a thermostat controls valve V and a reducing valve D is arranged in the path of steam from the superheat storer. The reducing valve operates to maintain a constant pressure in conduit L The operation will be obvious from the above descriptions of preceding figures.

In certain cases the valve Y may be controlled by the reducing valve so that it is open during the greater part of the time ol discharge of the accumulator and closes when thc'prcssure in piping L falls.

\Vhcn the pressure of the accumulator ll during the charge is again increased. the valve V will be held closed by the springload of the pressure-reducing valve. This pressure-reducing valve and the valve V may in such a case be. arranged in one and the same valve-casing.

Such an embodiment Fig. (3.

(l indicates the valve-casing and A the piping leading from the superheat storer U. The steam enters an annular space W. Conis illustrated in duit L, supplying steam to a consumer is connected, with openin X. 'The regulating member consists o a hollow cylinder P which by means of a spindle S is connected to a re ulating piston K. The latter is controlled y springs F, and its movements are cushioned by means of plungers C.

The valve V is inserted in the side of the valve-casing G. \Vhen the piping L, is closed and therefore there is no pressure in opening X the valve V is subjected to the tull pressure of the springs F by means of the spindle S and the bell crank lever H. By this means the valve V even at increasing pressure in the accomulator B is closed as long as the valve V,,, which is in the piping connected to A, is closed. As soon however, as valve V is opened, a pres sure exists in the space under the piston K causing the iston to rise, which movement, by means 0? the spindle S, is also transmitted to the hollow cylinder P. The valve V, is thereby released, so that the spring E can now open the valve V,. This opening operation is assigned by the pressure in the piping L,, which is connected to the flanged socket M.

A tail-piece I on the bell crank lever H limits the opening of the valve V, In connection with this tail-piece, a set-screw N, is provided whereby the quantity of steam flowing through the piping L,, can be exactly regulated.

Because of such a limitation of the opening of the valve V the movement of the piston K and of the hollow cylinder P will not be influenced by steam-pressure in the piping L which pressure alternates highly. The springs F move the hollow cylinder P so that the pressure in the opening X and therefore also in the conduit L will be constant, the movement being such that upward movement of piston K and cylinder P reduces the size of the opening from A to X. After the pressure in the conduit L, at the end of the discharge has fallen sufficiently, the valve V is again closed by the springs F.

Another arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 4. As in P lgs. l and l, the dischargepiping L, is continually subjected to pressure, which is maintained constant by the pressurcacducing. valve D. The non-return valvc It in Figs. 2 and 1 is in this case omitted, the pressure in the piping L, being always lower than the pressure of the accumulator IS. The valve V, can in this case. for the same reason as in Fig. l, he an ordinary stop valve and yet regulate the. llllllltl'tlllll't) (if till lLlllll.

\Vhat I claim is:

1. Steam accumulator apparatus vior steam plants comprising, in combination, a steam generator, a steam conduit connected therewith, a receptacle connected to said conduit, an accumulator connected with said receptacle, means in said receptacle to store the heat of superheat of steam passing from said generator through said receptacle to said accumulator and to super-heat steam passing from said accumulator through said receptacle, a steam consumer, means to lead superheated steam from said receptacle toward said consumer, means to withdraw saturated steam from the accumulator and mixthe same with the superheated steam and means to lead the mixture of saturated and superheated steam to the consumer.

2. Steam accumulator apparatus for steam plants comprising, in combination, a source of superheated steam, a device for storing and giving up the heat of superheat, an accumulator, a consumer, means to lead steam from said source through said device to said accumulator, means to lead steam from said accumulator through said device to said consumer, by-pass means to lead steam from said accumulator to the consumer and means for controlling the relative amount of steam passing through and by-passirig said device.

3. Steam accun'iulator apparatus for steam plants comprising, in combination, a source of "superheated steam, a device for storing and giving up the heat of superheat of said superheated steam, an accumulator, a consumer, a conduit connecting said device with said accumulator, a conduit connecting said device with said consumer, a by-pass connection for steam between said conduits, and automatic temperature responsive means to control the flow of steam through said bypass connection.

4. Steam accumulator apparatus for steam plants comprising, in combination, a source of superheated steam, a receptacle adapted to receive steam from said source, an accumulator, a connection between said receptacle and said accumulator, a consumer, a connection between said receptacle and said consumer, means associated with said receptacle to store the heat of superheat of steam passing from said source through said receptacle to said accumulator and to super-heat steam passing from said accumulator through said receptacle to said consumer, a b \'pa; s connection to atl ord communication between said aforementioned (30111160 lions. and automatic means in said bypass connection to decrease the llOW of steam through said b v-pass connection as the pressure in the accumulator decreases.

5. Steam accunmialor apparatus for steam plants comprising. in combination. a source of supcrhruitmi steam. a device adapted to receive stcam from said source. an accunur lator. a connection between said device and said accumulator. a consumer. a conduit conicctin; said dcvicc with said consumer, means tlFMlVilliUd with said device to store the heat of superheat of steam passing from said source through said device. to said accumulator and to superheat' steam passmg from saidaccumulator through said device to said consumer, a by-pass connection to afi'ord communication between said aforementioned connection and said conduit, and means to control the passage of steam throughsaid by-pass connection to maintain a constant temperature in said conduit.

6. Steam accumulator. apparatus for steam plants comprising, in combination, asqurce of superheated steam, a receive steam from said source, an accumulator, a connection between said device and said accumulator, a consumer, a conduit connecting said device with said consumer, means associated with said device to store the heat of superheat of steam passing from said source through said device to said ac- (umulator and to superheat steam passing from said accumulator through said device to said consumer, a lay-pass connection to uti'ord communication between said aforementioned connection and said conduit, a thermostat in said conduit, a valve in said hy-pass connection, said valve being actuated by said thermostat.

'7. Steam accumulator apparatus for steam plants comprising, in combination, a source of superheated steam, a device adapted to receive steam from said source, an accumulatorea connection between said device and said accumulator, a consumer, a conduit conuecting said device with said consumer,

device adapted to means associated with said device to store the. heat of superheat of steam passing from said sourcethrough said device to said accumulator and to superheat steam passing from said accumulator through said device to said consumer, a reducing valve in said conduit, ruby-pass connection toaiford communication between said afore-mentioned connection and said conduit, a valve in said byass, connection, and means" to control said valve actuated by the temperature in said conduit between said reducing valve and said consumer. I

V 8. Steam accumulator apparatus for steam plants comprising, in combination, a source of superheated steam, a device adapted to receive steam from said source, an accumulator, a consumer, means associated with said device to store the heat of superheat of steam, means to .conduct steam from said source through said device to said accumulator, means to conduct steam from said accumulator through said device toward said consumer, means to supply saturated steam to steam superheated by passing through said device and mix the same, automatic means to re ulate the relative amount of saturated an en erheated steam mixed and operating to con rol the temperatureof the mixture and means to conduct the mixture to the consumer.

In testimony whereof I aflixed my signature.

J OHANNES KARL RUTHS.

mentioned connection and said conduit, and

means to control the passage of steam through said by-pass connection to maintain a constant temperature in said conduit.

(3. Steam accumulator apparatus for steam plants comprising, in combination, a source of superheated steam, a device adapted to receive steam from said source, an accumulator, a connection between said device and said acciunulator, a consumer, a conduit connecting said device with said consumer, means associated with said device to store the heat of superheat of steam passing from said source through said device to said actuniulater and to superheat steam passing from said acculnulator through said device to said consumer, a by-pass connection to aiiord connnunication between said aforementioned connection and said conduit, a thermostat in said conduit, a valve in said hy-pass connection, said valve being actuated by Said thermostat.

7. Steam accumulator apparatus for steam plants comprising, in combination, a source of superheated steam, a device adapted to receive steam from said source, an accumulatorsahonnection between said device and said accumulator, a consumer, a conduit connecting said device with said consumer,

means associated With said device to store the heat of superheat of steam passing from said source through said device to said accumulator and to superheat steam passing from said accumulator through said device to said consumer, a reducing valve in said conduit, a by-pass connection to afford communication between said aforementioned connection and said conduit, a valve in said h vpass connection, and means to control said valve actuated by the temperature in said conduit between said reducing valve and said consumer.

8. Steam accumulator apparatus for steam plants comprising, in combination, a source of superheated steam, a device adapted to receive steam from said source, an accumulator, a consumer, means associated with said device to store the heat of super-heat of steam, means to .conduct steam from said source through said device to said accumulator, means to conduct steam from said accumulator through said device toward said consumer, means to supply saturated steam to steam superheated by passing through said device and mix the same, automatic means to regulate the relative amount of saturated and superheated steam mixed and operating to control the temperature of the mixture and means to conduct the mixture to the consumer.

In testimony whereof I atfixed my signature.

JOHANNES KARL RUTHS.

Certificate of Correction.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,581,229, granted April 20, 1926,

upon the application of Johannes Karl .ltnths, of Djurshohn, Sweden, for an improvement in Steam Plants, an error appears in the printed specification requir ing, and that the said same may conform to the record of the case correction as follows: Page 3, line 2G, for the word ilssigncd read assisted: Letters Patent should he read with this correction therein that the in the Patent ()flice.

Signed and sealed this 22d day of June A. l). 1920.

[scan] M.J. MOORE, Acting t'olmnissioner of Patents.

Certificate of Correction.

It is hereby certified that in Letfurs Patent No. 1,581,229, granted April 20, 1926, upon the application of Johannes Karl Ruths, of Djursliolm. Sweden, for an improvoment in Steam Plants, in error appears in the printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 3, line 26, for the word f'hssignuP read ssietecl: and that the said Letters Patent should be rmulwith this correction therein that the same may confornrto the record of the case in thePa'teut ()fiice.

Signed and sealed this 22d (lay of J une A. D. 1926.

[sngm] I MQJ. MOORE,

' Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

